Before the Bruises Show

"No... don't... don't... ow!"

If you were sitting outside of your apartment near midnight and you heard these words coming from a screaming woman, what would you do? What if you knew exactly which apartment they were coming from? What if that apartment was the only one with lights on?

Would you call 9-1-1? Would you be willing to stand outside once the cops got there and would you be willing to talk to the cops after they came out and said "They're just verbally arguing. There were no marks on either of them."

Would you be willing to let them see you? Would you take the chance of really, truly, completely pissing off someone that you couldn't see?

What if you heard her crying "You really, really hurt me" just a few moments before the police cars pulled up. What if all you heard of the other party was a muffled man's angry voice? Would you be willing to step in or would you just figure they've got to work it out? What goes on behind closed doors, stays behind closed doors.

There is always the concern that maybe she'll get it even worse once the cops leave. And there is also the concern that dude might know who called... and dude might come after you.

But - still - I ask - do you call? Or do you sit by and do nothing... hoping nothing worse than whatever has already been done comes out of it?

It's ok to be scared when you do call 9-1-1. It really is. But - it is necessary. Will he learn his lesson? Probably not. But, maybe, just maybe she'll know somewhere deep, down inside that someone is on her side. Someone cares enough to watch her back when she isn't willing or able. Maybe it'll open her eyes that something here is very, very wrong. Maybe it will get her thinking. Maybe not. But, you will still have done the right thing.

Is it as easy as this? No. Very possibly not. Sometimes fear can really change your mind for you.

It was scary hearing that last night and it was even scarier waiting for the police. What is even more frightening is that HE (whomever HE is) may know who did it and he may hold a grudge. But, I have my pepper spray and I have my bat. And I also have anger on my side because this type of shit, in my world, is really, really, really not ok.